[Updated] Mobile World Congress Could Come to India in September 2017!

Updated: GSMA just made an announcement that such is not the case.. Here is what they said in a release

Contrary to media reports, the GSMA is not collaborating with COAI in the development of the India Mobile Congress scheduled to take place in September.

The GSMA produces industry-leading events such as Mobile World Congress, Mobile World Congress Shanghai, Mobile World Congress Americas and the Mobile 360 Series of conferences, including Mobile 360 – India, which will be held in New Delhi, 14-15 November, 2017.

India hosts its own automobile show called ‘Auto Expo’ and it is a huge affair for Indians because all the large manufacturers showcase their prowess at this show. However, we don’t have any specific show for technology and mobiles like the Mobile World Congress.

According to report by PTI, India will be the second Asian country to host an event similar to Mobile World Congress, after China. If everything goes as planned, September 2017 could be the month when we see a mobile congress in India, as a show to cater to the South-East Asian market.

The Cellular Operators Association of India(COAI) has been in talks with Department of Telecom and Ministry of Electronics and IT to organise a mobile congress in India to showcase the technology advancements to a country with 200 million smartphone owners.

COAI Director General Rajan S Mathews told PTI, “There is Mobile World Congress in Barcelona and an edition in Shanghai. There is nothing in between for South East Asia. India is emerging as one of the global leaders in telecom which we will also showcase in the Indian Mobile Congress.”

Moreover, the GSM Association that organised the Mobile World Congress globally, has agreed to be a part of the Indian Mobile Congress which might be held from September 27. This will give so many local manufacturers to showcase their talent if the event actually gets all the approvals.

What’s in for customers and companies?

Since this will be the first in Southeast Asia, the GSMA might not be able to partner with IMC but nevertheless there could be guidance in order to make it big. Almost 1 lakh people visited MWC 2017, which is expected to be bigger for India.

It is also interesting to note that neither Singapore nor Malaysia are keen on hosting an event in their country. For customers and visitors, it is an excellent medium to get hands on the latest technology, use it and plan their purchases. Even if not that, we can get a taste of what is going to come in the coming year.

Companies can show-off their technical prowess at such events because there are potential clients lurking around everywhere. Companies like Facebook, Huawei, Cisco, Google and Indian smartphone makers are expected to be there at the IMC 2017.

Not just smartphones, companies also display their televisions, audio-devices, VR-capable smart devices and IoT devices that have become a hot topic now. This can also mean a lot of new launches in India at the same time, because it gives a good exposure to manufacturers.